Zhang Lifan, right, a Beijing-based independent scholar, waves from an elevator after an interview in Beijing Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012. More than 70 prominent Chinese scholars, including Zhang, and lawyers have urged new Communist Party leaders to undertake moderate political reforms including separating the party from government, though they avoid any mention of ending one-party rule. The petition calls on the party to rule according to the constitution, protect freedom of speech, encourage private enterprise and allow an independent judicial system. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)